Scientists from Colombia and Poland have identified a new species of orchid that grow on a small patch of land between two departments in southern Colombia. The flower of this orchid boasts features that seem apt for Halloween rather than spring festivals.

The never-before-seen population of orchids have grown on a small patch of land situated between the departments of Nariño and Putumayo in southern Colombia.

The newly-discovered species can be easily recognized through its reddish to dark maroon bloom, however its most distinct feature is the devil-shaped head found in the middle of its flower. The orchid derived its name "Telipogon diabolicus" from its discoverers based on this feature.

Prof. Dariusz Szlachetko and Marta Kolanowska from the University of Gdansk, Poland teamed up with Ramiro Medina Trejo in Colombia in a bid to identify this new orchid species. Judging by their observations, the plant can grow up to 5.5 to 9 centimeters i.e. 2.2 to 3.5 inches long, TechTimes reported.

Besides its demon-like head, the T. diabolicus sport an array of traits that have never been seen on any other orchids endemic to Colombia. One such trait is the characteristically clawed petals of its flower.

The dwarf montane forest situated between the two southern Colombian departments is currently the only known stamping ground for this devilish-looking orchid.

Szlachetko and his team were able to identify 30 individual orchids in the region, however only a few of them can be tagged as flowering adults. This is exactly why the researchers decided to include the species in the IUCN's (International Union for Conservation of Nature) list of critically endangered organisms.

The findings of the University of Gdansk-led study are featured in the journal PhytoKeys.

Experts attribute the T. diabolicus' rather distinct coloring to natural selections. Plants ideally undergo mutations which enable them to grow specific patterns. These patterns are then gradually reinforced and later become common to the species. Those that successfully obtain the pattern outlive those who fail to do so.

There is a possibility that the T. diabolicus may have developed its dire looking head to entice pollinating orchid bees. This is not surprising at all as orchids have made themselves more attractive to insects through evolution in the past. The T. diabolicus probably turned their head red to deceive male bees and make them think that they are females looking for a mate.

Szlachetko and his colleagues believe there are several other orchid species waiting to be discovered in the area.

Read more